The National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM) is the largest professional association for corporate environment, health and safety (EHS) and sustainability decision-makers. We are dedicated to empowering our members to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces, and promote global sustainability.

Charlotte, NC, Feb. 27, 2013- Data management systems are key tools for improving sustainability reporting and advancing environment, health and safety (EHS) performance, according a new report published today by the National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM).

The "Approaches to EHS & Sustainability Data Management" report provides a benchmark for how companies manage data internally, the effectiveness of their chosen systems and how much they are spending.

NAEM Executive Director Carol Singer Neuvelt said the results also reveal the role software systems play in helping companies meet the demands of external reporting.

"As companies are asked by customers and stakeholders to disclose a broad range of environmental attributes, they need to invest in internal systems," she said. "Data management solutions are what make it possible for companies to identify their impacts, track their performance and report on their progress."

The survey results, based on a survey of 116 corporate EHS and sustainability leaders, show that many of the software systems on the market are effective at managing core EHS issues; many are now evolving to offer new functionality around sustainability reporting. Yet there still remains an unmet need for software options that can support product footprinting, material traceability and product compliance.

"The evolution to a more holistic look at a company's impact creates a need for new tools for supply chain transparency," Ms. Neuvelt said. "This report shows is that there is still a great deal of growth potential for the software industry to help companies address these emerging issues."

About NAEM
The National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM) empowers corporate leaders to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces, and promote global sustainability. As the largest professional community for environment, health and safety (EHS) and sustainability decision-makers, we provide peer-led educational conferences, benchmarking research and an active network for sharing solutions. Visit NAEM online at www.naem.org

Contact
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Ryan, Manager of Interactive Media and Communications at (202) 986-6616 x109 or elizabeth@naem.org.

Each year NAEM’s annual conference convenes more than 550 attendees for a three-day showcase of the latest strategies corporate environment, health, safety and sustainability (EHS&S) leaders are using to keep employees safe, minimize their company’s environmental footprint and deliver business value through sustainability programs.